Treatments / Fillings and Root Canal

Fillings & Root Canal Treatments: Professional Care For Your Teeth

A healthy and beautiful smile can boost your confidence: At Dental Facial Artisan we are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care to help you achieve just that.

Our team of dentists are very experienced in a range of services including dental fillings and root canal treatments, designed to restore the integrity and aesthetics of your teeth. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, we are here to help.

fillings and root canal

Dental Fillings at Dental Facial Artisan

A dental filling is used to repair a tooth damaged due to decay, cracks, or wear. The procedure involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and then filling the space with a material such as composite resin. The material used for dental fillings depends on the your needs, preferences, and the tooth’s location.

At Dental Facial Artisan, we commonly use composite resin fillings, also known as ‘white fillings’, made of a tooth-coloured material that closely matches the colour of your natural teeth. This makes your filling virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your tooth. Composite resin fillings also require less tooth preparation and are bonded to the tooth, providing additional support and strength.

The process of having a dental filling usually involves the use of a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth being treated. After the procedure, the dentist will provide aftercare instructions to help maintain the health of your filling and the surrounding tooth structure.

Root Canal Treatment at Dental Facial Artisan

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or inflamed tooth pulp (innermost layer in the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels). If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain and root canal treatment is an alternate treatment to extraction which aims to resolve this. The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned before filling the space with a rubber-like material.

Root canal treatment is a complex procedure and at Dental Facial Artisan, our dentists have undergone additional training in order to provide you with an excellent result.

Preparation

The dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth being treated. Once the area is numb, they will place a rubber sheet, which is the gold standard for patient comfort, to isolate the tooth and protect other tissues of the mouth, and then will create an opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber.

Removal of Infected Pulp

The dentist will carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue using specialised instruments.

Cleaning and Disinfection

The dentist will then clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, removing bacteria and debris.

Filling

Once the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will fill the space with rubber-like material and seal the opening.

Crown Placement

In many cases, a dental crown will be placed over the treated tooth to protect it from further damage and restore its natural function. The need for this will be discussed with you by your dentist during the planning stage.

Aftercare

After the procedure, the dentist will provide aftercare instructions to help maintain the health of your treated tooth and the surrounding tissue.

Rubber Dam: What is it and why do we use it?

The majority might wonder what a rubber dam is when the dentist explains that it will be used during various procedures.

At Dental Facial Artisan, we understand how modern concepts can allow us to maximise the longevity of the materials and treatments we offer. Composite (white) fillings and other materials that need to be chemically bonded to a tooth have a higher rate of success and longevity when done under conditions where the moisture control is optimised. Therefore, using a rubber dam (where indicated and suitable) which prevents moisture infiltrating the treatment area and keeps the soft tissues retracted can make a marked difference to their success.

A rubber dam is a device that will sit over a tooth and prevent saliva and the tongue and cheeks from contacting the area that the dentist is working on.

When completing root canal treatment the rubber dam has a dual role:

  1. It prevents the root canal tooth from moisture infiltration and getting reinfected from the bacteria in our mouth.
  2. Stops instruments and materials used for the root canal treatment entering the mouth.
rubber dam device

­How does it work?

A sheet of rubber sits over the teeth. The sheet can be held in place by several methods depending on each case. Sometimes we will use clamps over a tooth, sometimes floss and in others we will use a small wedge of rubber between the teeth.

Are there situations when you won't use it?

In some scenarios the dental dam hinders and prevents the dentist from accessing and treating the tooth as necessary therefore it may be decided that a rubber dam isn’t of benefit. Not all procedures require a rubber dam from being placed. Our dentists will be able to assess, inform and advice you as appropriate during your appointments.

What are the benefits?

At Dental Facial Artisan we strive to provide gold standard long lasting dental treatments. By using a rubber dam in the appropriate procedures it enables us to provide a dry and sterile environment to help us achieve a optimum and predictable result in a comfortable manner.

When a root canal treatment is being completed, we are aiming to ensure that the tooth is clean. This means that we really want to ensure that no saliva and bacteria can enter the tooth. A rubber dam is very important for this procedure. The dam also acts to protect the patient when small instruments are used.

Is it uncomfortable?

The Majority of patients find the rubber dam more comfortable and are able to relax more effectively. The rubber dam creates a barrier from water and materials entering into your mouth which makes it easier for patients to cope and swallow. It also helps keep your soft tissues like tongue and cheeks protected and away from the field of work. For root canal treatment a rubber sheet is a necessity and the treatment cannot be completed without it. A rubber sheet is not required for all dental procedures but for some it is considered gold standard. Few patients are unable to have the rubber sheet due to various reasons and our clinicians will discuss with these patients alternatives that can be used and any implications this may have on the treatment.

All Patients Welcome

AMPLE PARKING AVAILABLE

With our Dental Practice being in Worsley, we welcome patients from these areas and further afield.

Experience the Dental Facial Artisan Difference

At Dental Facial Artisan, we pride ourselves on providing patients with a warm, welcoming, relaxing environment. Our family-friendly practice is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care for the whole family. Located in Worsley, with easy access from surrounding areas such as Bolton, Salford and Manchester via car or public transport. It only takes about 15 minutes to drive from Salford or Bolton to our practice. Our team of experienced, caring dentists and hygienists/therapists with their commitment to excellence, make us the perfect choice for your dental needs.

In addition to our exceptional care, we offer a range of amenities to make your visit as pleasant as possible. These include:

We understand that each patient is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you to create a personalised treatment plan. Our goal is to provide you with the information, support, and care you need to achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Take the Next Step Towards a Healthy Smile!

If you seek reliable, experienced and professional dental care, look no further than Dental Facial Artisan in Worsley. Our dedicated team of clinicians is committed to providing you with the highest standard of treatment. Whether you require dental fillings to restore your teeth, root canal treatment to alleviate pain and stabilise the tooth, or a complete smile makeover – we are here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the compassionate care and expertise that sets Dental Facial Artisan apart. Achieve a healthy, confident smile with our comprehensive dental services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Common signs that may indicate the need for a dental filling include tooth sensitivity, toothache, visible holes or pits in the teeth, or discomfort while chewing. You are strongly advised to visit our dental clinic for a thorough examination if you experience these symptoms.

Modern composite fillings are highly durable and withstand regular biting forces. They are designed to match the colour of your natural teeth, offering a more aesthetically pleasing result compared to silver amalgam fillings.

The appointment length for a dental filling depends on the cavity’s size, location and filling material of choice. In most cases, a filling can be completed in a single visit, typically lasting between 30 minutes to an hour. Our clinicians will accurately estimate the treatment time during your consultation.

The perception of pain associated with root canal treatments is often exaggerated. While some discomfort may be experienced, it is quite common and manageable. Over-the-counter pain relief medication (depending on your medical history) can help alleviate any discomfort post-procedure, and your dentist will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions for effective pain management. Patients typically describe the discomfort as favorable compared to the original pain caused by the infected tooth.

Regarding crowns and onlays, it’s important to note that they can help prevent further fractures and ensure the longevity of the treated tooth, not just the crown itself.

The duration of root canal treatment depends on the case’s complexity. In general, it can be completed in one to three visits. Our clinician will assess the tooth during the initial visit and discuss the treatment plan, including the estimated number of visits required.

In many cases, teeth undergoing root canal treatment require a dental crown or onlay to provide additional strength and protection. These restorations can help prevent further fractures and ensure the longevity of the treated tooth. Our experienced clinicians will evaluate your case and recommend the most suitable restoration option.

Most filling procedures and root canal treatments do not require sedation. Therefore, it is usually safe for you to drive yourself home after the treatment. However, if you receive any form of sedation, it is advised to arrange for a companion to take you home, as you will be unable to drive after sedation.

The longevity of a filling or root canal treatment depends on various factors, including the extent of possible infection or damage to the tooth, oral hygiene practices, diet and regular dental check-ups. Large fillings can last several years with proper care, while root canal-treated teeth can last many years with appropriate restoration and maintenance.

After a filling procedure, you can resume eating and drinking as soon as the anaesthesia wears off. However, sometimes a temporary restoration or crown is placed during a root canal treatment. In that case, our dentists may provide specific diet and oral hygiene instructions until the final restoration is placed.